FAQs

Private Investigator FAQ's

How quickly can you start an investigation?

Usually 24-hour notice is plenty of time. It is often possible to start a case immediately. We first need to gather all of the facts and complete necessary forms in order to begin the investigation. Weekends are usually the busiest times and may require additional advance notice.

What information is required to start a surveillance assignment?

Please provide us with a physical description as well as any photos of the Subject. We will also need addresses, vehicle information, time and place to start, plus the reason for surveillance. Our trained licensed investigators will obtain courtroom quality video evidence of all pertinent activities and back it up with experience and credibility.

How much does it cost to hire an investigator?

Surveillance is billed on an hourly basis plus a mileage charge. Rates are dependent on where the surveillance will take place. As a general rule, in remote areas, the rates are a bit higher. Before the case is started, a strategy is established depending on the circumstances and your needs. Once this plan is in place a budget can be established. We will never go over the surveillance time allotted according to your budget, without obtaining your permission beforehand. Investigative services are payable in advance of the work being conducted. Payment can be made by credit card, Pay Pal, or by cash, check, or money order.

How many investigators are used on a domestic surveillance case?

The number of investigators depends upon a number of factors. Basic surveillance on an individual being followed from home or an uncomplicated work situation can be conducted by one investigator. More complicated scenarios, such as following someone from a high rise office building, airport, or hotel requires an additional investigator. Other factors in which we may recommend a second investigator include fast and aggressive drivers and extra alert drivers who always watch the rear view mirror. An additional investigator increases the cost of surveillance, and this factor is also taken into consideration in arriving at your budget. For a proper frame of reference, consider the fact that no law enforcement agency would ever conduct surveillance with less than two cars and few do that. The more investigators, the less likely the chance of detection.

Is my information kept secret?

Yes and any information submitted to us verbally or via on­line is kept secret and confidential.

How is the surveillance plan established?

Planning is often more important than execution. The better job we do of designing the surveillance, the more likely it is to be more productive and the more cost effective it will be. Because you know more about your spouse's behavior than we ever will, we rely on you to assist us in developing the correcttime and place to watch them. We need you to determine when they are most likely to be engaged in this behavior and where we should start surveillance. All these questions and more go into creating an effective surveillance strategy.

Can I get a free price quote?

Yes, call us and we can set up a no obligation consultation.

What if I am wrong?

If there is no evidence that the subject is cheating, you will have gained peace of mind about your relationship. Since our investigations are 100% confidential, you will not have risked sacrificing the relationship if you are wrong.

Is it legal to follow or conduct surveillance upon another person?

It is legal to conduct surveillance upon a person for legitimate purposes. You must hire a licensed investigator to carry out assignments. It is illegal in all states to record the voice without at least one person's consent. Many states require all parties to consent to an audio recording. Florida does not allow any type of audio recording.

Will the suspected cheater find out that they are being watched?

Our surveillance investigations are 100% confidential.We do everything necessary to insure the covert nature of the investigation. If we ever perceive that the security of the investigation is threatened, we back off and re-evaluate with your input. One important point: Never threaten to hire an investigator. This will make the suspected cheater even more difficult to watch. If you have done this, be sure to tell us ahead of time so we can prepare.

How do you follow someone?

The techniques of tailing someone are an acquired skill. When following someone we are constantly weighing two factors against each other. First we want to stay close enough to make sure we do not lose the subject at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. However, we are constantly balancing this against staying so close that we run the risk of being observed by the subject. The art of balancing these two factors in a variety of situations can be executed well only by having an experienced investigator working the case. In some cases a second investigator is preferable or required which allows us to keep safer distances while not minimizing the chance of losing the subject.

What do I do once surveillance is set up?

Once the surveillance plan is in place it is important that you do not do anything to alert the subject of the investigation. Do not change your habits and do not ask too many questions about their activities.

Is your firm up to date with security devices?

Yes, we use the latest and greatest technology devices to assist in solving our client's cases as quickly and accurately as possible. We use the most advanced GPS Tracking devices and video cameras.

What evidence will I receive at the conclusion?

The evidence collected in domestic surveillance consists of the videotape of the activities and the surveillance report which details all of the activity in writing. Both are submitted to you, or if you wish we can maintain them for you. You video can be delivered via DVD.